Muljibhai Mehta International School

GOKUL TOWNSHIP, BOLINJ, VIRAR (W), MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION, PALGHAR – 401303

Chemistry Investigatory Project Report

(2023-2024)
Subject Code: 043
Topic: Study of Fertilisers and its Components

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Nash Neil Gonsalves Ms. Pooja Belel
Grade: XII Science (PGT Chemistry)
Roll No:
INDEX-

1) Certificate
2) Acknowledgement
3) Introduction
4) Aim
5) Materials required
6) Procedure
7) Chemical Reactions
8) Observation
9) Result
10) Photographs
11) Bibliography
 CERTIFICATE
Subject: Chemistry (043)
This is to certify that Nash Gonsalves of class XII-Science of Muljibhai Mehta
International School has completed his investigatory project for the session
2023-2024 on the topic: Study of Fertilisers and its Components. He took keen
interest and completed the project with utmost sincerity under my guidance
and supervision. I certify that this project is up to my expectation and as per
the guidelines issued by CBSE. I wish him very best for a successful career and
bright future.

Date:

Internals' Signature: External’s Signature:

Principal’s Signature:

School Seal:

Muljibhai Mehta International School

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am thankful to a number of individuals who have contributed
towards my project as without their help the project would have not
been possible. Firstly, I offer my sincere thanks to Principal Ma’am,
Mrs. Manisha Karekar, for providing the facilities, a conducive
environment and encouragement. I am also highly grateful to my
teacher and guide, Ms. Pooja Belel for her constant guidance
throughout my preparation. I am also grateful to the authorities and
the entire faculty for their support in providing me with the facilities
required throughout the duration of this project.

Name of Student: Nash Gonsalves

INTRODUCTION-
Fertilisers, often regarded as the unsung heroes of modern agriculture,
have played an extraordinary role in shaping the world's food
production, feeding billions and paving the way for agricultural
revolutions. These essential compounds, whether natural or synthetic,
have become synonymous with increased crop yields, sustainable
farming, and global food security. In this comprehensive exploration,
we will delve into the fascinating world of fertilisers, tracing their
historical evolution, examining their pivotal advantages and
disadvantages, and scrutinizing the intricate chemistry behind their
effectiveness.

The journey of fertilisers is steeped in history, dating back to the

earliest days of human cultivation. Ancient agricultural practices,
rooted in trial and error, saw early farmers discovering the benefits of
enriching their soils. Through the application of organic materials like
animal manure, compost, and bone meal, these early agriculturalists
unknowingly laid the groundwork for modern fertilization. As the
centuries passed, their wisdom evolved into an

The true transformation of fertilisers from rudimentary organic

substances to scientifically formulated compounds began in the 19th
century. This era witnessed the groundbreaking work of chemists like
Johann Gottfried von Liebig, who recognized the critical role of
essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in
plant growth.

Nitrogen is essential in fertilisers because it is one of the most critical

nutrients required for plant growth and development. Nitrogen plays
several crucial roles in plant biology, and its availability in the soil
directly impacts crop productivity. Nitrogen is required for protein
synthesis, chlorophyll production and growth and development of
plant.
Fertilisers can be primarily classified as inorganic and organic
fertilisers:

Inorganic (Synthetic) Fertilisers:

Chemical Formulation: Inorganic fertilisers are manufactured through

chemical processes, ensuring precise control over nutrient composition.

High Nutrient Concentration: These contain high concentrations of

essential nutrients.

Quick Nutrient Availability: They release nutrients rapidly, making them

particularly beneficial for crops during critical growth stages.

Storage and Handling: They are easy to store and transport because they
come in various forms, including granules, pills, and powders.

Water Solubility: Many inorganic fertilisers are water-soluble, making

them suitable for application through irrigation systems.

Precision Agriculture: Inorganic fertilisers are compatible with modern

precision agriculture techniques, allowing for precise nutrient application
based on soil testing and crop requirements.

Consistency: Synthetic fertilisers provide consistent nutrient levels,

reducing the risk of nutrient imbalances.

Long Shelf Life: They have a long shelf life, making it possible for
farmers to store them over extended periods without significant nutrient
loss.
Organic Fertilisers:

Natural Sources: Organic fertilisers are derived from natural materials,

including plant residues, animal manure, fish emulsion, and compost.

Slow Release of Nutrients: Organic fertilisers release nutrients gradually

as they decompose, providing a sustained supply of nutrients to plants
over time.

Improvement of Soil Structure: Organic fertilisers improve soil structure

and texture. They enhance soil water-holding capacity, aeration, and
microbial activity, promoting overall soil health.

Microbial Activity: Organic fertilisers stimulate beneficial microbial

activity in the soil, aiding in nutrient mineralization and improving
nutrient availability to plants.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Organic fertilisers typically have a

lower risk of causing nutrient runoff and water pollution compared to
synthetic fertilisers.

Long-Term Soil Fertility: Continuous use of organic fertilisers can

contribute to the long-term improvement of soil fertility and
sustainability.

Humus Formation: Organic materials in these fertilisers contribute to the

formation of humus, which improves soil water retention and nutrient
holding capacity.

Safe for Organic Farming: Organic fertilisers are suitable for organic
farming practices as they do not contain synthetic chemicals.
Advantages of Fertilisers:

 Increased Crop Yield: Fertilisers provide essential nutrients,

promoting robust plant growth and significantly increasing crop
yields.

 Nutrient Customization: Farmers can tailor fertiliser formulations

to match the specific nutrient needs of different crops and soils,
optimizing plant health.

 Crop Quality: Fertilisers enhance the nutritional content and

quality of crops, contributing to improved food production.

 Global Food Security: Fertilisers play a vital role in global food

production, helping to meet the demands of a growing population.

Disadvantages of Fertilisers:

 Environmental Impact: Excessive fertiliser use can lead to nutrient

runoff, causing water pollution and contributing to harmful algal
blooms.

 Soil Health: Over-reliance on fertilisers can degrade soil quality

over time, reducing its natural fertility and disrupting nutrient
cycling.

 Cost: High-quality fertilisers can be expensive, increasing

production costs for farmers and potentially affecting their
profitability.
Uses of Fertilisers

Fertilisers are used for various purposes. The uses of fertilisers are
mentioned below:

 Used to provide additional nutrients to the plants

 They are added to improve the yield of the crops

 Nitrogen-rich fertilisers are used for the greening of lawns

 Organic fertilisers improve the texture and fertility of the soil

 Gardeners use fertilisers to address certain needs of the plants such

as nutritional needs

 Fertilisers are added to potted plants to replace the lost nutrients

AIM:

To identify the presence of nitrogen in urea(fertiliser) using the

Lassaigne test.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:

 Urea sample

 Sodium (Na) metal

 Distilled water

 Dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl)

 Dilute nitric acid (HNO3)

 Filter paper

 Bunsen burner

 Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) solution

 Freshly prepared ferrous sulphate solution

PROCEDURE:

1. Take a small piece of dry sodium in a fusion tube.

2. Heat the tube slightly on a bunsen burner so that the sodium melts
to a shining globule.

3. Add a pinch of the organic compound.

4. Heat it slowly to start with so that the compound reacts with sodium
metal.

5. Now heat the tube strongly till it becomes red hot.

6. Plunge the red hot tube into a china dish containing distilled water.

7. Crush the contents with a glass rod and heat to boiling point.

8. Stop heating and remove the insoluble matter by filtration.

9. The filtrate is called Lassaigne's Extract.

10. To a small portion of the Lassaigne’s extract, add 2 ml of freshly

prepared ferrous sulphate solution and heat.

11. Now add 2-3 drops of ferric chloride solution and acidify with
conc. hydrochloric acid .
CHEMICAL REACTIONS:
OBSERVATIONS:

The extract is boiled with FeSO4 and acidified. The

appearance of Prussian blue colour indicates the presence of
nitrogen.

The acid helps in the oxidation of ferrous ions to ferric ions.

The formation of ferriferous cyanide indicates the presence of
nitrogen in our fertiliser.
RESULT:

The Lassaigne test for nitrogen was positive hence nitrogen is

present in our organic compound.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

 https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1493
 https://byjus.com/biology/fertilisers/
 Comprehensive Practical Chemistry for Class XII